Third Run FORGET IT – Democrats Say!

Stacey Abrams appears poised to launch a third governor campaign despite being a two-time loser who’s under investigation and unwanted by her own party.

At a Glance

• Stacey Abrams is considering a third run for Georgia governor despite warnings from state Democratic leaders that her opportunity has passed
• Abrams has been defeated twice by current Governor Brian Kemp, with many Democrats believing she cannot win
• Her voting rights group, the New Georgia Project, was hit with a $300,000 fine for campaign finance violations
• The Georgia Senate has introduced a resolution to investigate Abrams’s connections to the nonprofit, with Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones saying “the people of Georgia were defrauded”
• Republicans are practically begging her to run again, viewing her as a weak general election candidate

Third Time’s the Harm for Democrats?

The definition of insanity is doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting different results. Someone might want to explain this concept to Stacey Abrams, who apparently believes the third time’s the charm when it comes to losing Georgia gubernatorial races. Despite being soundly rejected by Georgia voters twice already, Abrams is reportedly considering yet another run for governor, ignoring pleas from Democrats throughout the state who are desperately trying to tell her that her political ship has sailed. The twice-failed candidate seems determined to make it a hat trick of losses, much to the delight of Republicans who consider her a gift that keeps on giving.

“She’s run twice, and that’s enough to convince me she won’t win.” – Jimmy Johnson.

The sentiment from former Appling County Democratic Committee chairman Jimmy Johnson isn’t isolated. Democratic leaders across Georgia are sounding alarm bells about Abrams’ potential candidacy. Marilyn Langford, vice chair of Georgia 9th District Democrats, put it bluntly when she said “Abrams is great, but she missed the train.” This isn’t just a few disgruntled party members – it’s becoming a chorus of Democrats who recognize that doubling down on a failed strategy isn’t the path to victory. But when has the Democratic Party ever let reality get in the way of their political fantasies?

Legal Troubles Mount as Political Stock Falls

While Abrams contemplates another run, she’s also facing significant legal headaches. Her voting rights group, the New Georgia Project, was slapped with a hefty $300,000 fine for campaign finance violations – not exactly the kind of headline you want preceding your campaign announcement. Making matters worse, the Georgia Senate has introduced a resolution specifically to investigate Abrams’s connections to the nonprofit, suggesting this story has legs and isn’t going away anytime soon. Nothing says “qualified gubernatorial candidate” quite like being under state investigation!

“The people of Georgia were defrauded by Stacey Abrams.” – Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones.

Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones didn’t mince words when he accused Abrams of defrauding Georgians. But the real fraud might be Abrams convincing herself – and trying to convince Democratic donors – that she has any chance of winning a statewide election in Georgia. With each unsuccessful run, Abrams has become increasingly toxic to moderate voters while alienating members of her own party who recognize the need for fresh faces and new approaches. Yet the Democratic establishment seems helplessly drawn to failed candidates like moths to a flame.

Republicans Gleefully Encourage Another Abrams Run

In a stunning display of political schadenfreude, Republicans are actively cheering on Abrams’ potential third run. Cody Hall, an adviser to Governor Brian Kemp, sarcastically encouraged Abrams to run again, all but admitting Republicans see her as their preferred opponent. It’s the political equivalent of a boxer begging for a rematch against someone they’ve knocked out twice already. When your opponents are enthusiastically encouraging you to run against them, it might be time to reconsider your political career. But self-awareness has never been a strong suit for progressive Democrats.

“Abrams is great, but she missed the train.” – Marilyn Langford.

The Democratic Party has potential alternatives in state senator Jason Esteves, former Atlanta mayor Keisha Bottoms, and former DeKalb County chief executive Michael Thurmond. Yet they risk having these fresh faces bulldozed in a primary by Abrams, whose national profile and fundraising ability make her formidable within the party despite being a proven loser in general elections. This is the modern Democratic Party in microcosm – clinging to failed policies and failed candidates while ignoring the clear message voters have sent. But by all means, Democrats, please nominate Stacey Abrams one more time – Georgia Republicans could use the guaranteed win.